Champai’s Story
Champai* was forced to drop out of school in the 8th grade to find work to provide an income for her family. Her friends introduced her to a broker persuaded her to go to China with the promise of a high-paying job. The offer seemed too good to be true, so she accepted the opportunity.
“I travelled to China with several other girls for nearly 20 days. We walked through mountainous roads, rode motorcycles and book a boat across rivers to escape the police and authorities. We were so hungry, because there was not enough food to eat.” She explained.
Once she arrived in China, the brokers arranged for her to stay with a Chinese man without her consent. The arrangement was not what she had initially been told and to make matters worse, the broker threatened her by saying that if she didn’t repay the money spent to get her into China, she would be sold. Champai was only 15 at the time, she was terrified and felt powerless.
Champai reflects on the time she spent living with that Chinese man as ‘a living hell’. She was consistently abused, beaten, and kept in captivity. After three years living in this situation she became pregnant, and sadly, just two days after giving birth, her baby was taken from her.
Hopeless, Champai decided to escape and ran to the police station for help. She was detained for 4 months before being referred to Cambodia. Upon her arrival back to Cambodia she was referred to Hagar. She was placed in a foster family and received essential support, including food assistance, health check-ups, and both mental and phsycial care.
Community consultation prior to client re-integration
After a comprehensive assessment, the local case management team decided to reintegrate her with her aunt’s family. The Hagar team continues to monitor and support her, providing her with bedding, kitchen equipment, monthly food, counselling and economic support. Additionally, we provide regular counselling sessions, including career and psychological counselling to help her heal from her trauma and feel empowered.
As a result, the client has chosen to learn the skills of baking and coffee-making at one of our partner's shops, BLOOM/GLOW. Champai has become stronger from day to day. She gains more confidence for her new life and future dream.
Champai expressed, "I am happy to be back in Cambodia, and I never imagined that I could escape the terrible situation I faced in China. I would like to express my gratitude to Hagar for their support since I returned to Cambodia. Without their assistance, I wouldn't know where to go or how to begin." She further added, "I have made a promise to myself that I will not return to that place again. I will share my experience with everyone I know to help them avoid the situation I have been through."
*Name changed for safety
